MERION STATION, Pa. – Carissa Vittese, a veteran of the United States National Team, has joined the Saint Joseph’s field hockey program as an interim assistant coach. She will help guide the Hawks through their spring practices and games.

“Here at Saint Joseph's we take great pride in our passion for the game and strive to excel in all areas,” head coach Lynn Farquhar said. “Along with Carissa's uplifting personality she has a shared perspective on enjoying the moment and thrives on intensity in pursuit of raising the bar.”

“I am beyond grateful and excited for this opportunity to work with such a great team and incredible staff at SJU!” Vittese said. “This group has so much potential and I am so happy that I can be a part of it. I am proud to be a Hawk for the spring and proud to be a part of such a prestigious university.”

Vittese joined the National Team in 2017 and was a member of the squad that took third place at the 2017 Pan American Cup and seventh in the 2017 World League Finals. She has also competed for the United States in the International Festival of Hockey and the Four Nations Women’s Ibaraki International Tournament.

A 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia, Vittese was named to the All-ACC Second Team and also earned Second Team All-Region accolades as a senior. She also earned Second Team All-Region honors as a junior as well. The Cavaliers reached three NCAA Tournaments during her career, including a Final Four appearance in 2010.

Upon graduation, Vittese joined the coaching staff at Temple in 2015, spending two years as the Director of Field Hockey Operations.

“The combination of teaching youth and playing at the highest level in the United States is a great mix,” Farquhar said. “We're excited to learn from Carissa while sharing our Hawk spirit; Hawk Hill is a special place!”

The Hawks will host a spring tournament on Saturday, April 6. SJU will welcome Connecticut, Rutgers, and Syracuse to Ellen Ryan Field; play is set to begin at 10:00 a.m.